Page 62 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

62 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

to the need to bring hope to the oppressed. Similarly, the path of ministry may lead
the man or woman of God to odd and awful places for the same purpose, hope. The
minister must be willing to go where God leads and do what God wants done.

3 In what ways did Jesus The characteristic of servanthood that Jesus modeled to the utmost was His
model servanthood? surrender to death, for our sins. He chose to pay this cost because it was the will
of His Father. Jesus got what only we deserved, so we could have what only He
deserved. We, pastors and people, are fortunate that God does not give us what we
deserve. However, while many ministers know this, they can still find themselves
thinking they deserve better. Let an unfair accusation or unpleasant scene come
along, and the thoughts of haughtiness begin. Those hours require a reminder
that the servant is not greater than the Master. Jesus suffered with the ultimate
unfairness, and it was proven to be the very purpose for His life of service.
The Power of a Model
History is filled with various models of excellence in leadership. A minister
would do well to be an effective student of history. Certainly, biblical accounts
provide the stories of characters that can teach us from their actions, but recent
history offers similar stories and leaders who modeled sacrificial efforts for the
good of those they served.
A minister can gain from the richness of such historical accounts. Lessons
learned through the lives of Lincoln, Churchill, Eisenhower, Gandhi, and a host
of others can provide good examples. Learning the nature of their leadership
efforts can contribute much to a leader’s own understanding of what it means to
lead others. Much can also be learned from their failures. There is no reason to
repeat the errors of others.
Choosing a Mentor
A living example is a powerful influence. Understanding principles is
beneficial, but seeing them in action makes them more plausible and achievable.
For this reason, each minister needs a good model and mentor. Just like Timothy
had Paul, both the beginning and the seasoned minister will need someone whom
he or she admires, trusts, and desires to imitate in principles and truth. One is not
fit to lead if one has never followed.
Choosing a mentor for ministry requires wisdom and a lot of care. The choice
should be based on character rather than successes or great spiritual experiences.
This is what Paul is saying in 2 Corinthians 12, where he pleads for the believers
to judge him and his service to them by the merits of his character rather than his
experiences of visions.

4 What steps will you take The minister may wish to begin a relationship with a mentor by meeting
to establish a mentoring together to discuss issues of ministry or points of interest or questions. Though,
relationship? perhaps not as effective, mentoring can be done by observing godly servants in
the ministry. Simply by watching, even at a distance, the beginning minister can
gain excellent guidance in the life God has called him or her to live. However,
while example is powerful, the novice minister must remember that God seldom
marks out identical paths for His servants. The road God has for one’s life will be
tailored to the gifts and purposes He has uniquely established for that individual.
The beginning minister and mentor will not walk in the same places, but they
may develop the same heart of service for Christ’s kingdom.

Making a Disciple
Not only should the beginning minister look for examples to follow, but
also look for individuals to lead. One characteristic of a servant of God who